The Graves Amendment: Protection, Exceptions & Claims Reality

Format:Overview

Can a rental company still be sued after the Graves Amendment?

Join rental operators, claims professionals, insurers, agents, attorneys, and fleet leaders as we discuss one of the most misunderstood federal laws affecting the rental vehicle industry.

The Graves Amendment:
Protection, Exceptions & Claims Reality

The Graves Amendment has fundamentally changed liability for rental and leasing companies—but misconceptions remain throughout the industry.

Many professionals know the law exists. Far fewer understand:

• What it actually protects,
• Where the exceptions begin,
• How claims should be investigated,
• How courts continue to interpret it.

Whether you operate a rental fleet, investigate claims, defend lawsuits, adjust losses, insure rental companies, or simply want a better understanding of this important federal law, this discussion is designed for you.

Join industry professionals for another Hawkeye Claims Industry Roundtable as we examine the practical application of the Graves Amendment and how it affects today’s claims environment.

Topics We’ll Cover

✔ What the Graves Amendment actually says

✔ Why Congress enacted the law

✔ Vicarious liability vs. direct negligence

✔ Negligent entrustment

✔ Negligent maintenance

✔ Driver qualification issues

✔ Insurance coverage considerations

✔ State law interaction

✔ Claims investigation best practices

✔ Recent legal developments

✔ Common misconceptions

✔ Practical claim handling examples

Who Should Attend?
– Rental Car Owners
– Fleet Managers
– Claims Adjusters
– Claims Managers
– Insurance Carriers
– Independent Adjusters
– Insurance Agents & Brokers
– Defense Attorneys
– Plaintiff Attorneys
– TPAs
– Risk Managers
– Appraisers
– Anyone interested in rental vehicle liability

What You’ll Gain

Attendees will leave with:

✓ A practical understanding of the Graves Amendment

✓ Better claim investigation techniques

✓ Greater awareness of potential liability exposures

✓ Insight into current industry trends

✓ Opportunities to network with professionals across multiple disciplines

About the Speaker”
Charles Caravella

Chief Claims Officer

Hawkeye Claims, LLC

Charles has over two decades of experience in vehicle damage analysis, subrogation, diminished value, commercial claims, fleet risk management, and rental vehicle litigation support.

As co-founder of Hawkeye Claims, he has worked with rental operators, insurers, attorneys, fleet companies, and TPAs throughout North America.